Hōnen
Japanese Buddhist monk
Died when: 78 years 257 days (944 months)Star Sign: Taurus
Honen (??, May 13 (April 7), 1133 – February 29, 1212) was the religious reformer and founder of the first independent branch of Japanese Pure Land Buddhism called Jodo-shu (???, "The Pure Land School").
He is also considered the Seventh Jodo Shinshu Patriarch.Honen became a Tendai initiate at an early age, but grew disaffected and sought an approach to Buddhism that anyone could follow, even during the perceived Age of Dharma Decline.
After discovering the writings of the Chinese Buddhist Shandao, he undertook the teaching of rebirth in the pure land of Amitabha through nianfo or "recitation of the Buddha's name".
Honen gathered a wide array of followers and critics.Emperor Tsuchimikado exiled Honen and his followers in 1207 after an incident regarding two of his disciples in addition to persuasion by influential Buddhist communities.
Honen was eventually pardoned and allowed to return to Kyoto, where he stayed for a short time before his death.
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